Thermodynamic conditions of shock Hugoniot curves in hot dense matter

We use a self-consistent model combining the Quotidian Equation Of State and a nonrelativistic screened-hydrogenic model with ℓ-splitting to study the thermodynamic conditions encountered along shock Hugoniot curves. We focus on the maximum compression ratio reached on shock Hugoniot curves for simple elements that are solid at normal temperature and pressure. Electron shell effect and pressure ionization can have a strong impact on the results. Numerical calculations are presented and discussed. Some of the physical points addressed in this work could be tested experimentally when the National Ignition Facility laser in the USA attains full power or when the Laser Mégajoule in France comes online.